Nottingham Prison Death Inquest

3 June 2019, 16:55 | Updated: 3 June 2019, 17:09

Inquest hears that an inmate who died had a history of self-harm.

A prisoner who died at HMP Nottingham had a history of self-harm and had already attempted to take his own life in police custody, an inquest has heard.

Shane Stroughton, who was the first of five inmates to die at the jail in the space of a month, was found hanged in his cell in September 2017 despite having "frequent" contact with medical professionals.

The 29-year-old, who was originally jailed for assault at the age of 19, was recalled to prison for breaching a curfew after being released on licence three months before his death.

An inquest jury at Nottingham Coroner's Court heard that an ambulance was called to the jail and CPR was administered but Mr Stroughton could not be resuscitated.

The category B prison, which has a capacity of 1,060, was found to be "fundamentally unsafe" following an inspection in January last year - prompting the first use of the "urgent notification" system.

Introducing the case to the jury, Assistant Coroner Ivan Cartwright said: "At prison, he was accommodated in a number of different cells.

"During his time in prison, Mr Stroughton had frequent contact with healthcare and medical staff."

Mr Cartwright told the jury that the inmate had a history of self-harm.

He said: "Mr Stroughton made an attempt to hang himself in police custody.

"He made a number of different attempts to harm himself.

"On September 13 2017, a prison officer was unlocking cell doors for prisoners to collect their evening meals. They found Mr Stroughton hanging."

The inquest, expected to last seven days, continues.